Indian Wells: Iga Swiatek Can’t Stop Fangirling Over Caroline Wozniacki as She Recounts Charming Childhood Tale

Top-seeded Iga Swiatek has eased her way into the quarterfinal of the Indian Wells Masters after defeating Yulia Putintseva 6-1, 6-2, in straight sets. Setting up a date with the comeback queen Caroline Wozniacki, who outclassed Angelique Kerber to reach the last eight, it’s going to be a battle for the ages as both seem to be in subliminal form.

The World No. 1 has long been an admirer of the Danish sensation, having watched her live in action as a child. As Swiatek now gears up for an Indian Wells matchup with Wozniacki she reveals the reason why the 33-year-old legend inspires her.

Iga Swiatek on Caroline Wozniacki – ‘She was fighting to come back‘

Talking at her post-match presser the 22-year-old Pole tipped her cap to Wozniacki while opening up about her preparation for the match.  “Well, I know a lot from a fan perspective, because I was watching her when I was younger. She’s really, you know, consistent, solid, and you have to be patient playing against Caroline.” 

She added, “But more tactical stuff, for sure, that my coach is going to prepare for me and we’re going to talk before the match.” Swiatek further reveals that she only got to know about her match with Wozniacki after she defeated Putinsteva, “I honestly didn’t know I was going to play against Caro. I got to know in my postmatch interview. I don’t have anything ready yet, but for sure it’s going to be exciting and it’s going to be tough, so I’ll be ready and I’ll do my best.”

Swiatek displayed her respect for the Dane by acknowledging her coveted experience on the court and her grit to come back from her maternity break in such a strong manner, “She’s really experienced. I really respect her. I think she is playing great, even after her maternity break she was fighting to come back.”

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However, this is not the first time the Pole has displayed her admiration for Wozniacki. She even had a chance to observe her idol up close and personal when she was just a young girl, having a major fangirl moment.

When Iga Swiatek became a ball girl for Wozniacki

Back in 2010, Swiatek was only 9 years old when she got an opportunity to be a ball girl for Wozniacki when she visited Warsaw for a tournament. “I remember because I was the ball girl, when we had tournament in Warsaw. It was like in 2010, I was nine and.. I don’t remember the autograph thing, but I was like throwing the balls to Caroline Wozniacki, which was like great for me.”

Wozniacki was the No.1 ranked player in 2010, winning the hearts of many young girls who idolized her. One of them was little Iga Swiatek. Cut to 2024, Swiatek is as old as Wozniacki was in 2010 when they first met and also the world No.1, again similar to the Dane’s ranking in 2010.

This is the stuff of legends and their Indian Wells date will be etched in tennis history no matter the outcome!